DOWN-TO-EARTH PILOT HAD THE RIGHT STUFF

Del Cerro resident launched jet Yeager used to become first to break sound barrier

The Spirit of ’45 awards and celebration dinner

Saturday’s sold-out banquet features survivors of the 1947 flight that first broke the sound barrier. One of these three aviators — Chuck Yeager — will receive a lifetime achievement award from the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The $190-a-head gala benefits the “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive Campaign,” promoting the World War II generation’s legacy.

Chapters of Robert Cardenas’ life have been captured in film, a best-selling book, a painting, an iconic photograph — yet you rarely see this San Diegan. He’s the invisible pilot.

During a banquet Saturday in the San Diego Air & Space Museum, he’ll be both honored and overshadowed. That’s because the gala will reunite three survivors from an epic 1947 adventure: Cardenas, who piloted the B-29 that launched the X-1, an experimental jet designed to shatter the sound barrier; Bob Hoover, who flew the chase plane documenting the mission; and the ace who flew the X-1 into history, becoming the first person to travel faster than the speed of sound.

Since then, Chuck Yeager has needed no introduction. “You have to give Chuck credit,” Cardenas said during an interview in the Del Cerro home he shares with his wife of more than 50 years, Gladys. “He did it.”

Yeager, now 89 and retired in Northern California, remains charming, cocky, outspoken — the classic fighter jock. Hoover, 90, also possesses a showman’s flair. After a distinguished military career, the Los Angeles resident became one of the world’s top air show pilots, famous for stunts such as pouring himself a cup of tea while executing a barrel roll.

As for Cardenas, 91, you may not recognize the name. While his career includes enough drama for several Hollywood blockbusters, this pilot has always tried to fly under fame’s radar.

Wartime aviator

Inside the museum is a replica of a World War II pilots’ briefing shack, one wall decorated with a painting, “Down But Not Out.” The artwork shows a B-24 Liberator surrounded by black starbursts of German anti-aircraft fire. Two of the bomber’s engines are in flames. You can’t see the pilot; in real life, he was a young officer named Robert Cardenas.

Born in Merida, Mexico, Robert was 5 years old when he accompanied his parents on their move to San Diego. He quickly adapted to his new home and became fascinated by flight, especially the gliders he saw soaring over Torrey Pines. As a San Diego State student, Cardenas briefly served with the California National Guard before entering the Army Air Corps in 1940. One of his first jobs was to train glider pilots in the California desert.

Even after Cardenas transferred to the 44th Bomber Group, knowing how to fly without an engine proved an invaluable skill. On March 24, 1944, the young pilot took off from England on his 20th combat mission, joining 50 or 60 other American bombers attacking a factory in southern Germany. Cardenas’ plane was ripped by anti-aircraft fire on its first pass over the plant and flak sliced the pilot’s scalp, yet they came around for a second pass.